Genetically Modified Organisms, or GMOs, are primarily used
in biological and medical research, production of pharmaceutical drugs,
experimental medicine (e.g. gene therapy), but in recent years they have been a
part of agricultural production (e.g. golden rice, resistance to herbicides).
The term "genetically modified organism" does not always imply, but
can include, targeted insertions of genes from one species into another. This can be very useful in that some cells
can be induced to produce substances that are wonderfully beneficial to
man. However, that benefit is being
overshadowed by a misinterpretation of what is actually happening with GMOs in
modern agriculture.
We have selectively bread species of animal or plant for
centuries to express certain characteristics.
That manipulation in and of itself is genetic modification. Bacon has the delicious proportion of fat and
muscle through those manipulations.
There isn’t a geneticist out there producing a pig who’s fat produces
maple syrup or making a tomato plant with the addictive qualities of cigarettes
(i.e., Tomacco plants).
That would be
worth serious scrutiny. No, what we have
today is quite nefariously different. We
have companies who trademark the genetic sequence of certain plants as a way to
corner the market on those commodities (soy beans, corn, etc…). That is the vast majority of GMO food that is
out there today AND it is relatively harmless.
What is more important than the call for labeling of GMOs,
which in my opinion miss the mark and only cause potential trade barriers, is
that these genetic patents on plants cause monopolies in the agricultural
industry. Those monopolies then dictate
to their farmers what and where to plant.
Labeling isn’t the issue. The
issue is corporate welfare for agricultural companies trying to corner the
market on our food supply. That doesn’t
require a label, but rather regulation.
While listening to some new music, I was musing on who were
the best (based on the music that I listen to) at their various
instrument. While this is a wholly
subjective assessment, I will offer some examples of why I think the people I
picked for the top slot deserve that title:
Vocals –
In rock music, the band’s front man is usually the lead
singer. A quote from the great movie,
Almost Famous, says it all; ‘I work just as hard or harder than anybody on that
stage. You know what I do? I connect. I get people off. I look for the guy who
isn't getting off, and I make him get off.’
Therefore, for lead vocals, you need a larger than life figure. For me, there are many. Roger Daltrey, Robert Plant, Mick Jagger and
Anthony Kiedis are all contenders, but the seminal front man is Jim Morrison:
Guitar –
This is a tough one and I’m going outside the normal box for
my selection. Rock is synonymous with a
strong searing guitar and there are MANY that percolate to the top; Pete
Townsend, Eric Clapton, David Gilmore, Jimmy Page, Jimmy Hendrix, and Alex Lifeson (a favorite). My pick for this spot goes to Phil Manzanera,
best known as lead guitarist for Roxy Music, although his solo works
shine. (this pick will probably be the
most controversial) This clip shows Phil with David Gilmore:
Bass –
The bass player is the heart of any band. The beat of modern rock and roll is dictated
by the harmony between the bass and drums.
Good bass players go unnoticed but make mediocre bands great. Great bass players blow people’s minds. Some of the best are Geddy Lee, Tony Levin, Greg Lake,
Paul McCartney (he’s actually a really good bass player) and John Entwistle. However, my favorite bass player is Flea
(nuff said):
Keyboards –
You don’t need keyboards in a rock band, but when you do
have them the sound is elevated beyond that of a simple beat. Great keyboardists are usually featured in
some of the more complex bands, like Yes (Rick Wakeman) and Genesis (Tony
Banks), but even Elton John must be recognized as a stellar keyboardist. My
favorite is, and always has been Keith Emmerson:
Drums –
Along with the bass player, the drummer is the heart of the
band. With a good drummer, the band can
venture into the realm of greatness.
Many fit the bill; Carl Palmer, Keith Moon, Ringo Starr, and Bill
Bruford are among my favorites. However,
the best drummer, by a wide margin really, is Neil Pert. His musicianship (not to mention his
songwriting ability) put him above and beyond the rest:
At any rate, that’s my little rant for today. Please let me know how you feel and realize
that this is my opinion today. I have
the prerogative to change my mind tomorrow.
